Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 161 of 846 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
50 crash reports20 fire reports36 injury reports
What owners actually said
846 reports
32,000 miles · Jul 27, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
AFTER GOING THROUGH TWO FUEL PUMPS, FIRST PUMP WENT AT 32000 MILES AND THE SECOND AROUND 62000, I HAVE HAD EXTREME PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP. NOW, MY CAR DOESN'T START ON ITS OWN VERY OFTEN. I HAVE TO WIGGLE THE FUEL PUMP UNDER THE BACKSEAT IN ORDER TO START THE CAR. I HAVE, ON OCCASION, HAD THE ENGINE DIE WHILE TRAVELING D…
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AFTER GOING THROUGH TWO FUEL PUMPS, FIRST PUMP WENT AT 32000 MILES AND THE SECOND AROUND 62000, I HAVE HAD EXTREME PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP. NOW, MY CAR DOESN'T START ON ITS OWN VERY OFTEN. I HAVE TO WIGGLE THE FUEL PUMP UNDER THE BACKSEAT IN ORDER TO START THE CAR. I HAVE, ON OCCASION, HAD THE ENGINE DIE WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE FREEWAY OR IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. ONCE THE FUEL PUMP WAS WIGGLED, THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND I WAS ON MY WAY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A WELL TRUSTED MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT FORD DOESN'T HAVE ANY PARTS TO FIX THE VERY LOOSE PIPE THAT RUNS INTO THE FUEL PUMP. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND FEEL THAT MY CAR MAY STALL AND CAUSE MYSELF AND OTHERS GREAT DANGER. PLEASE HELP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10029289
110,125 miles · Jul 22, 2003
Exterior Lighting
I OWN A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLAMPS. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP HOLD MOISTURE INSIDE AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS STARTING TO DO THE SAME THING. NOT ONLY THIS BUT BOTH HEADLAMPS GO OUT OF AIM EVERY SO OFTEN. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON LOW BEAM I CAN'T SEE TEN FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND I HA…
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I OWN A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLAMPS. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP HOLD MOISTURE INSIDE AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS STARTING TO DO THE SAME THING. NOT ONLY THIS BUT BOTH HEADLAMPS GO OUT OF AIM EVERY SO OFTEN. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON LOW BEAM I CAN'T SEE TEN FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON SO I CAN SEE WHAT IS IN FRONT OF ME. THIS HAS CAUSED FOUR NEAR MISSES. TWO WITH DEERS, ONE WITH A MAIL BOX, AND ON WITH ANOTHER CAR. I DON'T KNOW IF THE MOISTURE IN THE HEADLIGHTS HAS ANYTHING TO DO THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS THEMSELVES. WHEN I HAD THE HEADLIGHTS AIMED FOR THE THIRD TIME I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THE MOISTURE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH THE HEADLIGHTS.
NHTSA ODI #10028854
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
CAR SPUTTERING AND STALLING. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. HAVE HAD IT "RESET" TO TURN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT OFF ONLY FOR IT TO COME BACK ON A FEW DAYS LATER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10028630
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL LEAKING FROM TANK BECAUSE THE NECK WARPED. FORD MOTOR CO. SAYS IT WILL NOT COMPENSATE BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10025941
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2003
Air BagsCrash
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT AIR BAG PROBLEMS. STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHERE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.MANUFACTURER OR DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10026644
77,490 miles · Jun 24, 2003
Suspension
LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING A TIRE THAT WAS ONLY A YEAR OLD, WHILE CAR WAS PARKED. A RECALL HAD BEEN DONE ON VEHICLE JUST OVER A YEAR AGO TO PREVENT THIS. APPARENTLY IT DIDN'T WORK. HAD I BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE I'M SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. ESPECIALLY, HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE AS 50…
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LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING A TIRE THAT WAS ONLY A YEAR OLD, WHILE CAR WAS PARKED. A RECALL HAD BEEN DONE ON VEHICLE JUST OVER A YEAR AGO TO PREVENT THIS. APPARENTLY IT DIDN'T WORK. HAD I BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE I'M SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. ESPECIALLY, HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE AS 50% OF MY DRIVING IS. I OFTEN HAVE MY GRANDCHILDREN WITH ME AND IT IS QUITE FRIGHTENING TO THINK WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10023661
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2003
Suspension
ON 5/3/2002 THE VEHICLE WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE RECALL 01I013000 REPAIRS DONE ON FRONT COIL SPRINGS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6/7/2003 BECAUSE THE FRONT COIL PUNCTURED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WHICH CAUSED IT TO FLATTEN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10022879
75,500 miles · Jun 6, 2003
Power Train
1998 FORD CONTOUR SE 4CYL VIN [XXX] - 4SPEED TRANSMISSION. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE TRANSMISSION MADE SUDDEN, ERRATIC, JERKY SHIFTS ON ITS OWN CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND LOSING CONTROL AND LEAVING THE ROAD AND FINALLY STOPPING IN A FIELD. I HAD TO TOW HER OUT. THE CAR NOW DOES NOT MOVE FORWA…
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1998 FORD CONTOUR SE 4CYL VIN [XXX] - 4SPEED TRANSMISSION. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE TRANSMISSION MADE SUDDEN, ERRATIC, JERKY SHIFTS ON ITS OWN CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND LOSING CONTROL AND LEAVING THE ROAD AND FINALLY STOPPING IN A FIELD. I HAD TO TOW HER OUT. THE CAR NOW DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD, BUT DOES HAS REVERSE. FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE NET HAS REVEALED OTHER FORD/MAZDA OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME TRANSMISSION FAILURES. I AM SURPRISED THE NHTSA HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THESE TRANSMISSIONS. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10021182
85,298 miles · Jun 4, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
SHREDS TIMING CHAIN BELTS EVERY 40-100 MILES, 8 REPLACEMENTS IN 3 MONTHS. PULLEYS, TENSIONER AND BELT ALL REPLACED REPEATEDLY BY FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE TRYING TO SAY IT'S NORMAL. *NLM
NO DASH LIGHTS, BACK-UP, OR LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER AND DASH LIGHTS WERE FIXED $200.PLUS. BUT NO CLOCK LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT OR BACK-UP LIGHTS. ALL FUSES WHERE CHECKED AND OK.*AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CAN BE DAMAGED IF SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN INTERIOR CLEANING PRODUCTS. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7
RQ02006 · Incorrect Gear Indication
Opened Feb 26, 2002 · Closed Sep 12, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jan 5, 2001 · Closed Jul 31, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
EA00025 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Oct 4, 2000 · Closed Jan 25, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00027 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Oct 4, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00023 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jun 14, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ99019 · Various Intermittent Electrical Issues
Opened Sep 15, 1999 · Closed Mar 7, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
SQ98002 · Fuel Gauge Does Not Read Below 1/4
Opened Jan 27, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
FORD'S SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997, POINTS OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT READ ABOVE 3/4 TANK OR BELOW 1/4 TANK OF FUEL.THE ERRONEOUS FUEL GAUGE READING WILL INDICATE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL RESERVE THAN ACTUALLY PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK.ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT WHERE THE DRIVER ALLEGED THAT HIS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING.THIS INVESTIGATION WASTO ASCERTAIN FACTS CONCERNING THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE, SCOPE, AND RATIONAL FOR ELECTING NOT TO CONDUCT A SAFETY COMPAIGN.
1998 Ford Contour Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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